- Recommended
House on the Hill Toy Museum
A family-run museum in Stansted Mountfitchet with one of the largest toy collections in Europe, featuring dolls, model railways, and vintage games.
Cheapest price
$46
Average price
$75
Fastest journey
3 h 40 m
Average duration
4 h 5 m
Buses per day
9
Distance
159 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Southampton Central (SOU) to London Stansted Airport is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Southampton Central (SOU) to London Stansted Airport will cost around $75 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $46.
It's difficult to get from Southampton Central (SOU) to London Stansted Airport without transferring at least once.
NX032 · NXA8
NX032 · NXA8
NX032 · NX727
NX032 · NX727
NX032 · NX727
NX032 · NX727
NX032 · NX728
NX032 · NX727
NX032 · NX727
NX032 · NX728Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Southampton Central (SOU) to London Stansted Airport among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $29. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 29m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $29, and a train costs an average of $23.
Distance: 98 miles (159 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$44 Average price Cheapest | $48 Average price | $43 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 31m Average total duration 4h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 59m Average total duration Fastest 2h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 21m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Southampton Central (SOU) to London Stansted Airport:
A bus is $4 (€3) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Southampton Central (SOU) to London Stansted Airport costing on average $48 (€39).
Other travel options to London Stansted Airport take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 1m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:05AM | Arrival Time 06:20AM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:05AM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:15AM | Arrival Time 08:55AM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:35AM | Arrival Time 10:35AM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:45AM | Arrival Time 10:35AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:05AM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 4h25 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 03:55PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $86 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 05:20PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $80 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $65 |
The table below shows live departures for Southampton Central (SOU) to London Stansted Airport buses for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX032 · NXA8 | Delayed 8:15 AM 2:05 AMSouthampton, Coach Station | 5h15 | 7:20 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX032 · NX728 | Delayed 8:15 AM 4:15 AMSouthampton, Coach Station | 4h40 | 9:35 AM 9:35 AMStansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX032 · NX728 | Delayed 8:15 AM 6:45 AMSouthampton, Coach Station | 3h50 | 10:35 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX032 · NX727 | On time 10:45 AM Southampton, Coach Station | 5h10 | 3:55 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX032 · NXA8 | On time 12:15 PM Southampton, Coach Station | 5h47 | 6:02 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX032 · NX727 | On time 2:45 PM Southampton, Coach Station | 3h55 | 6:40 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX032 · NX727 | On time 3:45 PM Southampton, Coach Station | 4h55 | 8:40 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX032 · NX727 | On time 7:00 PM Southampton, Coach Station | 3h40 | 10:40 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX032 · NX727 | On time 8:30 PM Southampton, Coach Station | 4h20 | 12:50 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| Sunday, June 21 | |||||
NX032 · NXA8 | 2:05 AM Southampton, Coach Station | 5h15 | 7:20 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX032 · NX728 | 4:15 AM Southampton, Coach Station | 4h40 | 8:55 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX032 · NX728 | 6:45 AM Southampton, Coach Station | 3h50 | 10:35 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Southampton Central (SOU) to London Stansted Airport run on average 11 times per day, taking around 4h 1m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $29 (€24) but you can travel from only $23 (€19) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 01:05, the last at 19:30. The fastest bus covers the 98 miles (159 km) distance in 3h 40m.
Distance 98 miles (159 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price $29 (€24) |
Buses per day 11 |
Fastest bus 3h 40m |
First bus 1:05 AM |
Last bus 7:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Discover the best of London Stansted Airport — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect London Stansted Airport trip today.
A family-run museum in Stansted Mountfitchet with one of the largest toy collections in Europe, featuring dolls, model railways, and vintage games.
A well-regarded gallery in Saffron Walden known for works by artists of the Great Bardfield group and rotating exhibitions.
A major sculpture destination at Perry Green with indoor galleries and outdoor works by Henry Moore in a rural setting.
A historic royal hunting forest and National Trust landscape ideal for walking, lakeside views, and a peaceful escape very close to the airport.
The village center with independent shops, historic character, and easy access to nearby heritage attractions.
A lively market-town center with riverside walks, shops, and historic streets useful for a short trip from the airport.
Battered white fish with chips, often served with mushy peas. A classic English comfort dish found across pubs and chippies.
A hearty breakfast with eggs, sausages, bacon, beans, mushrooms, tomatoes, and toast. It is one of England’s most iconic meals.
Roast meat with potatoes, seasonal vegetables, gravy, and Yorkshire pudding. A traditional British weekend meal with deep pub culture roots.
A well-known traditional pub in Stansted Mountfitchet serving classic British pub food in a relaxed, historic setting.
An established gastropub near Stansted known for British classics, ales, and a welcoming village atmosphere.
A recognizable airport dining option focused on seafood and a more polished sit-down experience inside the terminal.
Airport prices are high. Meals, coffee, and convenience items usually cost more than in town.
Service is often included at airport restaurants. If not, 10-12.5% is typical for table service. No tip is expected for fast food or coffee. Round up taxi fares if you wish.
Official public transport app
London Stansted Airport -> Liverpool Street, London
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southampton Central (SOU) to London Stansted Airport by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at London Stansted Airport, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Southampton Central (SOU) to London Stansted Airport buses use the Southampton, Coach Station to London, Victoria Coach Station station pair, with some services arriving at London, York Road (London Eye). Use this guide to compare Southampton Central (SOU) and London Stansted Airport bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Southampton, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café Express (in the station), Sandwich Bar (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance for cash withdrawals.
Ticket office support is available at Southampton, Coach Station.
Available at Southampton, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton, Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
London, Victoria Coach Station is 2 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
London, Victoria Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Pret a Manger (in the station), Starbucks (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and inside the station.
Ticket office support is available at London, Victoria Coach Station.
Available at London, Victoria Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Victoria Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need